In Countdown to Kickoff, WALB Sports’ Aaron Meaux and McKenzie Blaze break down everything you need to know before football season in South Georgia. Watch LIVE and view previous episodes on WALB.com, the WALB News 10 app and on streaming apps at 7 p.m. every weekday from July 28 to Aug. 12.

SOUTH GEORGIA (WALB) — Valdosta, Lowndes and Colquitt County headline Class 7A Region 1 entering the 2026 high school football season, each program navigating significant roster turnover while targeting a region title in what analysts describe as one of the most competitive regions in the state.

Valdosta: Building on a region championship

Valdosta head coach Shelton Felton enters 2026 coming off a region championship — a milestone he had pursued for several seasons — and a playoff loss to Buford. Felton said the Buford game revealed a depth gap, noting that Buford’s second-string players performed at a first-string level while Valdosta’s reserves did not. Addressing depth across the roster is a stated priority heading into this season.

Returning starter Tripp Perry takes over as the starting quarterback after sharing time last season with Tyrieke Wade, who has since graduated. Perry appeared in 10 games in 2026, completing 72 percent of his passes for 455 yards. Coach Felton cited Perry’s composure and maturity — particularly his decision not to transfer when Wade held the starting role — as indicators of his readiness to lead. Backup LJ Thomas, described as a young competitor, is pushing Perry in camp.

Valdosta’s offensive line is the most experienced unit on the roster, returning five three-year starters, including Tyler Richardson, Austin Spray, Jah’khias Neloms and Adron Thomas. The offense ran for more than 3,000 yards last season and is built around running backs Marquis Fennell and Deron Foster, who combined for close to 3,000 rushing yards. Sophomore tight end Ky’rei Turner — 6-foot-3, 240 pounds — made six appearances last year and is described by coaching staff as having significant developmental upside. Wide receivers Jamarian Mingo and Octavious Dubose also figure into the passing game.

Valdosta’s defense faces youth after four D-1 departures

The defense enters 2026 with eight of 11 starters gone. All four members of last year’s secondary signed to play Division I college football. Felton, who came up as a defensive coach and has experience coaching the defensive line, linebackers and secondary, said the unit’s identity will remain fast and physical.

Returning defensive pieces include defensive lineman Kaden Holmes, the only returner on the line; safety Dorian Mathis; and cornerback Ladarrius McIntyre, who is expected to take on a larger role. Transfer A.J. Hill, a senior from Thomasville, projects at safety or cornerback and is described by coaches as a versatile playmaker. Linebacker addition Bralyn Bennett, who played at Cook last season, is also expected to contribute.

Valdosta opens the season Aug. 21 on the road at Jones County. The Wildcats play just three road games total, at Colquitt County on Oct. 16 and at Lowndes for the Winnersville Classic on Nov. 6.

Lowndes: Jayce Johnson returns for senior season under new offensive coordinator

Lowndes enters 2026 with a veteran offensive core and a new offensive coordinator. Coach Adam Carter’s stated goal is to out-physical and out-work every team in the region. Quarterback Jayce “Juice” Johnson, who has posted 3,000 total passing yards in his first two varsity seasons, returns healthy for his senior year after dealing with injuries in 2025.

New offensive coordinator Tyler Carlton, who spent 15 years in college football, is described by Carter as a quarterback-friendly coordinator who wants to spread defenses and create opportunities for Johnson both through the air and with his legs. The offense remains run-first, with running back Mason Woods — who rushed for 1,300 yards and averaged 109 yards per game last season — returning as the featured back. Woods focused on adding weight in the offseason, according to Carter.

The offensive line returned significant starts and is expected to anchor a physical running attack. Carter said the unit must establish early leadership, particularly with the defense facing a youth transition.

Lowndes returns only four defensive starters. The linebacker corps is headlined by senior Malik Martin — 6-foot-2, 220 pounds — who recorded 53 tackles in 11 games last year and is expected to serve as the defensive signal-caller. The defensive line features no returning starters but returns size: sophomore Jacques McCoggle at 6-2, 275 pounds; junior Kayden Allen at 6-1, 255; and senior Fred Vaughn at 255. Carter said the group is one of the bigger defensive lines the program has had in recent years and plans to rotate six or seven players along the front. Safety Damarion Treadwell, who played in 12 games last season, anchors the secondary.

Lowndes opens the season Aug. 21 against Jenkins and plays just two road games during the regular season — at Richmond Hill and at Colquitt County. The Wintersville Classic against Valdosta is scheduled for Oct. 30.

Colquitt County: New quarterback, new tight end headline Packers retool

Colquitt County head coach Sean Calhoun enters 2026 replacing significant offensive production, including quarterback Cohen Lawson and running back Jay Lamar, who signed with Georgia. Transfer quarterback Khi Mitchell, a senior from Mount Zion, takes over under center. Mitchell was named region player of the year last season and posted a 56 percent completion rate with 1,400 passing yards. At 5-foot-8, Mitchell is a dual-threat quarterback who Calhoun said offers mobility and arm strength.

Running back Jason Stephenson is projected to carry the bulk of the workload in the backfield after showing the ability to handle carries when Lamar was unavailable last season. The receiving corps includes senior Antwan Lockett, who has committed to Georgia Tech, and rising junior Gavin Henderson, expected to serve as the No. 2 option.

Transfer tight end Tucker Saporita, a four-star senior rated at 6-foot-4, adds a dimension the Packers lacked in recent seasons. Calhoun said Saporita carries a 4.1 GPA, learned the playbook rapidly and has taken on a leadership role among his new teammates. Tight end Ethan Ruffin provides depth and opens the possibility of two tight end sets. The offensive line graduated four of five starters; returning lineman Kavon Thomas holds a West Florida commitment.

The defensive line is described by Calhoun as the team’s clear strength and deeper than it has been in recent years. Returning players include Georgia Southern commit Ty’mhyr Moore, along with Nyneson Jeudy and Ny’corius McNeil. Safety Josh Alford — 51 solo tackles last season — anchors the secondary alongside Kaden King. Corner and inside linebacker positions remain open competitions entering the season.

Colquitt County opens the season Aug. 21 on the road at Thomas County Central. Region play includes a home game against Valdosta, a road trip to Camden County and a Nov. 6 home game against Lowndes that could carry region title implications.

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